The Chargers Greatest Draft Classes
Throughout much of their history, the Los Angeles Chargers have been known to draft elite talent. However, this talent has rarely been surrounded by an equally impressive draft class. There have been a few bright spots and the Chargers have prospered because of their momentary genius. What follows is some of the greatest draft classes in Chargers history.
2015
The Chargers are one of the most talented teams in the NFL and the backbone of that talent was drafted in the 2015 Draft. Running back Melvin Gordon has been invited to two Pro Bowls and has proven to be a just what the franchise needs to compete for a championship. His best statistical season was 2017 when he ran for 1,105 yards, received 476 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.
Linebacker Denzel Perryman is one of the few bright spots on a talent-starved linebacker unit. He has had trouble staying on the field due to injury but when healthy he has proven to be a real asset to the defense.
Defensive tackle Darius Philon is now with the Arizona Cardinals but he was an excellent role player while with the Chargers. He recorded 9.5 sacks in three years while with the team.
2005
The Chargers drafted three players who would help lead the team for the remainder of the decade. Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman was invited to three Pro Bowls and was twice voted First-team All-Pro during his career. His best season was 2006 when he led the NFL with 17 sacks.
Wide receiver Vincent Jackson was a favorite target of quarterback Philip Rivers. He was recognized for his big-play ability with two Pro Bowl invitations while with the Chargers.
Running back Darren Sproles was never invited to a Pro Bowl while with the Chargers but he has made an impact on the league with an elusive playing style which has made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the NFL.
2001
The 2000 Chargers suffered through a miserable 1-15 campaign but because of that futility, they were blessed with the first overall pick in the Draft. They elected to trade that pick to the Atlanta Falcons who promptly chose quarterback Michael Vick.
The Chargers used the pick they received from the Falcons on running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He proved to be the face of the franchise the Chargers had craved and he led them to multiple playoff berths while building a Hall of Fame career in San Diego. He was invited to five Pro Bowls and was named NFL MVP in 2006 when he set the league record for touchdowns in a season.
The Chargers also selected quarterback Drew Brees. He was with the team for a few seasons and even led them to the playoffs in 2004 but the Chargers decided to go in a different direction after the 2005 season. Brees took his talents to New Orleans where he has set all kinds of passing records including the all-time record for yards in a career.
While Tomlinson retired as a Charger and was elected into the Hall Of Fame as such, Brees will enter the Hall when his time comes as a Saint, however, it is worth noting that the Chargers drafted two Hall of Fame players in the same Draft. That is rare and should not be looked upon lightly.
1988
The Chargers drafted two excellent wide receivers in this Draft. Anthony Miller had a very productive career and was invited to four Pro Bowls while with the Chargers. His best season was 1989 when he recorded 1,252 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns and was invited to his first Pro Bowl.
Quinn Early’s career with the Chargers was not nearly as productive. His best season with the team was 1988 when he recorded 375 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He found a home in New Orleans and produced his best season in 1995 when he received 1,087 yards along with eight touchdowns.
1975
The Chargers of the late 1970s had one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFL. They built most of that line in the 1975 Draft. Fred Dean is the lone Hall of Famer in this group and proved to be a master at the sack. Unfortunately, most of his career was spent before the sack became an official statistic and is lost in legend. He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in the middle of the 1981 season and proved to be the difference maker for the team as they charged toward their first Super Bowl.
Gary Johnson made four Pro Bowls in San Diego before finishing his career in San Francisco where he joined Dean to win the Super Bowl in 1984.
Louie Kelcher was invited to three Pro Bowls while with the Chargers. He also finished his career in San Francisco where he won a ring in 1984.